2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide - (Page 17)

After Germany's reunification, the capital city of Berlin emerged with a new modern identity as a cultural center leading the way in architecture, entertainment, nightlife, and shopping; however, remnants from Germany's turbulent past-a Holocaust Memorial, graffitied pieces of the Berlin Wall, and Brandenburg Gate-still play a big part in the cityscape. SEE: What started out as a royal garden for growing flowers, medicinal plants and vegetables in the 17th century has blossomed into The Berlin-Dahlem Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum, the oldest botanical garden in Germany featuring 22,000 types of plants spread out over 100-odd acres of land. SAVOR: Pour yourself a cup of tradition at the International Berlin Beer Festival from Aug. 5-8. This 3-day folk festival streams over 300 lagers and pilsners from 87 countries on a mile-long stretch of land in the Friedrichshain district. Best of all, it's less expensive and easier to gain entrance to than Munich's legendary Oktoberfest event. SIGNATURE EVENT: Dozens of artists utilizing a variety of media and techniques, including etching, woodcut, animation and still photography, come together to create a series of exhibitions each year for the Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art. This year's events take place June 4-Sept. 18. STAY: Simple and elegant, the recently opened 108-guestroom Hotel Zoe at Hackescher Markt features a modern design with dark accessories, untreated concrete and hardwood floors. From the rooftop terrace, guests can view the more than 600-ft.-tall TV Tower in the distance. CRUISE: Although not a port of call, Berlin is such a popular destination that several river cruise companies, including Viking, include it in their river cruise itineraries as part of a land tour. FACTS April to June Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany. The Beethoven House in Bonn is a memorial site that was founded in 1889 and features the work of the famous composer GETTING THERE: Delta flies to Dusseldorf and Stuttgart from Atlanta; to Nuremberg and Hamburg connecting through Amsterdam and Paris; to Munich from Atlanta and Detroit (seasonal service to begin May 2016); to Frankfurt from Atlanta, Detroit and New York (JFK); and to Berlin connecting through Amsterdam, Paris and Rome ENTRY DOCUMENTS: Valid passport CURRENCY: The Euro LOCAL FOODS: Between mid-April and lateJune, large and scrumptious asparagus is used in practically every German dish BEST BUYS: Shopping at the Christmas markets; outlet stores in Berlin; and high-end retail and local artisan craftwork INFORMATION PLEASE: germany.travel BEST TIME TO GO: FUN FACT: Dusseldorf Shiny skyscrapers, avant-garde buildings and high-end designer stores color the wealthy western German city of Dusseldorf. Visit Old Town on the east bank, lovingly referred to as "the longest bar in the world" and try Altbier, a dark, sweet beer first brewed in this very city; or window shop along the famous Konigsallee shopping boulevard. For a more historic approach to sightseeing, start at the 13th century St. Lambertus Church and Castle Tower. SEE: A Dusseldorf landmark, the three gigantic twisted Gehry buildings at the Rheinhafen centre of arts and the media are a surprisingly unexpected optical illusion at Dusseldorf Harbor. The materials used to create the spiraling complexes-mirrored walls, matte white finishes-symbolize the modern purpose of the local harbor industry. SAVOR: Opt for a sidewalk table at the legendary Munstermann Kontor delicatessen on the trendy Hohe Strasse, where creative seasonal dishes made with locally produced ingredients are served with a side of style. SIGNATURE EVENT: For nine days in July (15-24), the Rhine meadows draw millions of visitors for the annual Kirmes (Fun Fair), a 700-year-old tradition complete with hundreds of attractions, rides and stalls that ends with a bang, literally, on the last day of the fair with a grand fireworks display. STAY: The Hotel Indigo Dusseldorf Victoriaplatz opened in 2013 between Messe Dusseldorf and Konigsallee. A reflection of its fashionable surroundings, the 126-guestroom, retro-meets-modern style InterContinental Hotels Group property features murals and artwork in its corridors and guestrooms, and six floors, each representing a different decade of fashion. CRUISE: The medium-sized Port of Dusseldorf is an essential part of any Rhine River cruise. Frank Gehry-designed building in Dusseldorf's Media Harbour. 17 GERMANY Berlin http://germany.travel

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide

Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Holland
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
Ghana
Kenya
Morocco
Nigeria
South Africa
Senegal
Tanzania
Egypt
India
Israel
Turkey
United Arab Emirates

2016 Europe, Middle East, and Africa Travel Guide